John Kasich looks to build Capitol Hill support for 2016 bid

Ohio Gov. John Kasich returns to his old stomping grounds Tuesday in search of allies for a presumptive presidential campaign.

Kasich served 18 years in Congress before retiring in 2001, including time as House Budget chairman and architect of the 1997 balanced budget negotiated with President Bill Clinton. He is scheduled to be back in Washington next week, with a meet-and-greet planned with GOP lawmakers at the Capitol Hill Club, just down the street from the U.S. Capitol. The Republican contender's political operation, New Day for America, blasted out the invitation to members of Congress on Wednesday.

"You are invited to joint Ohio Governor John Kasich and Meet and Greet," the invitation reads.

Assisting Kasich's team in organizing the event is Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Ohio. Tiberi worked for Kasich when he served in the House, and now represents the same central Ohio House district that the governor held before he left Congress. Kasich, 63, is expected to launch his presidential bid on July 21 with a rally in Columbus on the campus of The Ohio State University, his alma mater.